finding your voice
May 9, 2009
You must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken! (vv. 7-8).
READ: Jeremiah 1:4-19
Li Xuedong of Shangfan city in China has a voice that can literally stop traffic. The sound from his booming vocal cords can reportedly reach 120 decibels!
During one of his audio demonstrations at a ceremony on a city street, he let out a shout that resulted in drivers of more than 60 vehicles slamming on their brakes. They thought the noise Xuedong emitted was an air alarm.
That’s one guy who has truly found his voice!
Jeremiah was a reluctant prophet who needed to find his voice. God called him to speak to the rebellious nation of Judah. The prophet responded by saying that he wasn’t up to the task. “O Sovereign Lord, . . . I can’t speak for You!” (Jeremiah 1:6).
The prophet was fearful and timid. Sound familiar?
If so, we can learn from Jeremiah. For he went on to boldly proclaim the unpopular message that corrupt Judah was going to be destroyed (20:4). Three things that helped him were . . .
• God’s Assurance—“I will be with you and will protect you” (1:8).
• God’s Word—“Give this message to the people: ‘O Judah, listen to this message from the Lord!’ ” (7:2, see also 19:2).
• God’s Empowerment—“I will make you as secure as a fortified wall of bronze” (15:20).
Though Jeremiah would, from time to time, battle fears and despair (20:10,18), he ultimately found courage and hope in the merciful God who “rescues the life of the needy” (v.13 NIV). And one day the Sovereign One gave him some great news to declare to Judah: “I will rebuild you” (31:4).
Jeremiah found his voice as he clung to God’s assurance, His Word, and His empowerment. Will you do the same? —Tom Felten
What words can you boldly speak in truth and love today? How does God’s assurance and His Word help you overcome your fear of doing so?
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